Author's Note: Here we are, everyone! Thor: Ragnarok starts here! I read in the comics that Hela is Loki's daughter. But in my story, Hela will be Thor and Loki's cousin instead of their older sister. Also, I don't attend to kill off the important characters in Marvel like Disney did.
I don't own Avengers or its characters. I only own Riley Stark and other OCs that appear in the story.
Take on the World
Chapter 46: Thor's Return
(2017)
Space.
Reality.
Mind.
Power.
Time.
Soul.
Riley patted heavily as she woke up from her sleep while a bit of sweat poured down from her forehead.
It happened again.
That dream.
That wretched dream about those wretched stones.
It made her feel unwell beside tired.
At first she tried to ignore it, but the dream kept coming back to her.
Though it kept repeating back in her mind, it was obvious the dream was either a sign of a new villain arriving or a sign of terrible things to come?
Then again, it could be both.
Riley frowned as she stared at the view of New York City from the window of her bedroom.
She would not let that happen.
The famous skyline of New York City shimmered in the morning light as the sun danced across Avengers Tower.
Home to the greatest Super Heroes on Earth.
Yes, the world had Super Heroes.
Billionaire geniuses in iron suits.
World War II super soldiers.
Even godlike beings from other worlds wielding mystical hammers.
New Yorkers thought they had seen everything until one fateful day when the sky opened up and a full-scale alien invasion rained from a portal above.
Monstrous beings known as the Chitauri crashed into buildings and wreaked havoc in the streets.
Fortunately for Earth, the Avengers assembled and drove them back, saving the day and announcing their presence on a global scale.
After that, it was time for New Yorkers to do what they did best: move on with life.
But alas that was five years ago.
Though sadly, now the Avengers were seen as vigilantes instead of the superheroes that saved Earth.
(A Week Later)
Riley was in the gym within Pym Particles while wearing her gym attire: a pink unitard and dark blue leggings.
The sixteen year old girl was running on a treadmill as fast as her legs could carry her with Janet supervising her.
Janet van Dyne was a woman in her mid 20s with short auburn brown hair and blue eyes. She wore a yellow off-the-shoulder top over a black spaghetti strap tank top that slightly reveals her midriff. She also wears blue trousers with white shoes and wore three bracelets on her right wrist, a silver necklace around her neck and matching earrings on her ears.
Besides a fashion designer, Miss van Dyne was the fiancée of Dr Hank Pym and the CEO of Pym Particles.
"Not bad, Riley."Janet praised."But let's pick up the pace."
"R-Right, Aunt Janet!"Riley panted.
Riley changed the speed level of the treadmill to run even faster as Janet watched her exercise while checking the timer on her stopwatch.
Once she finished exercising for the day, the Stark heiress went to take a shower.
"Despite everything that has happened, S.H.I.E.L.D. is still functional in the shadows."Riley thought with a small frown."Just because there are some criminals lurking about that doesn't mean there are still inexplicable threats out there."
Once she finished washing herself, the young brunette dried herself from head to toe before changing to her normal clothes.
The Stark heiress wore a dark grey blazer. The inside of the blazer was lined in white and it had black trimming. Underneath, she wore a white t-shirt with black stitching and a design below the collar. The design itself had real blue cornflowers and black leaves. She had on dark pink trousers with the inside lined in white. Her black sneakers had pink laces. The high-top cuff of the sneakers were decorated with pink and teal tangram pieces. Her chestnut brown hair was parted to the side with a braid. The braid was tied at the end with a magenta pink fabric. The hair had a few shorter fringes at the front that were parted in the middle and frame her face.
"Humans. Mutants. Inhumans. Now I recently learned that there was a sorcerer living in New York this entire time."Riley thought with a hint of amusement."Our universe is filled with so many unique beings. Yet most of them are fighting to defend a world that see them as threats that need to be exposed of or freaks that need to be locked up."
After getting dressed and leaving the Spa Room, Riley joined Janet near the waiting room of Pym Particles.
"So tell me about your upcoming date with your boyfriend, Riley."Janet remarked."Tell me what you have planned."
"I told my dad that me and Peter should eat a fancy restaurant."Riley admitted with a shy smile."Though I haven't decided which one is best since I got focused on therapy and homework from school."
"Riley, you need to make sure you have time to take care of yourself."Janet suggested."As for bad guys like HYDRA and A.I.M? Leave them to the Avengers."
A sigh escaped from Riley's mouth.
"Earth's mightiest heroes. I know."Riley replied and folded her arms."I just miss being around them. Without them, things don't seem that exciting anymore."
Janet gave Riley a hug.
"You'll see them all again before you even realise, Riley."Janet remarked."And besides, you're a teenager. You have still so much to experience."
"Yeah."Riley answered with a small nod."I know."
"Also, the road to a woman's fit body is a long, challenging and complicated route."Janet informed with a wink."But don't let it bother you that much. Most boys don't like girls who spent too much making themselves pretty."
Riley blushed a bit at Janet's declaration before waving goodbye to her.
An hour later, Riley met Peter outside to spend time with him at Central Park.
The couple was then listening to a video of a Senate Congressional committee meeting that showed Senator Robert Kelly addressing the panel about what he sees as 'menace' of mutants, people who are born with genetic encoded superpowers, especially that secret militia known as The X-Men.
"It is clear to me that the emergence of this so-called mutated gene in certain people seems to be part of man's natural growth."Senator Frank Radler complemented."How can we be so bold as to suggest regulating what clearly is God's work?!"
"Mutation is not God's work, Senator Radler. It is a genetic defect."Senator Kelly replied with a frown."However, one should love the mutate but hate the mutation."
"You continue to assist that all Mutants are evil, when there are those out there risking their lives daily to protect us!"Senator Frank Radler informed.
"I assume you're referring to the insurgent mutant faction commonly known as the X-Men?"Senator Kelly stated.
"Insurgent is your opinion, Senator Kelly."Senator Frank Radler responded."What I want to know is who is behind the X-Men?"
Riley paused the video in her iPhone as Peter looked at her.
"It seems that there are some Senators that see mutants as equals to humans than menaces, Riley."Peter responded.
"Yeah. But I hear that even if Jonah Jameson sees you as a menace, you still fight to protect those who can't help themselves, Peter."Riley remarked."To think Midtown High has now its own Spider-Man fan club and Flash claims to be your biggest fan."
A light chuckle escaped from Peter's mouth.
"That's still something for me to still getting used to."Peter declared.
Riley gave Peter a kiss on the cheek.
"You only use strength, determination and courage to defend NYC from the bad buys without a fancy iron suit."Riley admitted."That's what makes you unique, Peter."
Peter lightly smiled as Riley excitedly dragged him by the arm in the streets of Manhattan.
"So what will it be?"Riley asked."Italian or French?"
A glimpse of confusion appeared on Peter's face.
"Don't we do Spanish, Riley?"Peter questioned.
"Hello."Riley chuckled in amusement."I am talking about our dinner date tonight."
Hearing Riley's declaration, Peter blushed in embarrassment.
"Aw, man. I am so sorry, Riley."Peter apologised with a sheepish smile."I totally forgot about that."
"Hey. No problem."Riley remarked, giving Peter a wink."I've already picked up the top two different restaurants we can go. Piccola Cucina Estiatorio. It will make us feel we are in Sicily. And Petite Boucherie. Such a quaint place, very European."
Peter let out a small chuckle.
"They both sound great and very expensive."Peter declared.
"Don't worry, my dad is ready to pay for our seats. Though he actually expects you to choose where we should go."Riley remarked."But seriously, Peter. Just because you have an alter ego that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a time of a day to enjoy yourself as a normal guy."
A small smile appeared on Peter's face.
"That can be easier said than done, Riley."Peter complemented."Since they usually fight bad guys and help those who can't defend themselves, superheroes don't really have that much time to relax."
Peter and Riley arrived to the part of Manhattan where the retirement home, Shady Acres Care Home, was bulldozed and destroyed.
The young couple paused their conversation when they have to walk with some people to another part of the road before the vehicles resumed passing by in the round.
"Still that doesn't mean you don't have the right to have some happiness in your life, Petey."Riley declared as she began walking with her back turned."You should balance your life like Yin and Yang. A constant path of uniting opposites and the pursuit of seeking balance in life."
"Like a time schedule?"Peter guessed.
"Yin and Yang mean literally the 'dark side' and the 'sunny side' of a hill."Riley said before using her hands to form a circle."It represents the dynamic interplay of opposite but complementary forces that exist in everything, reflecting the balance and interconnectedness of the universe. Though they lie in ancient Chinese philosophy and spirituality."
Peter gave Riley a curious look.
"Exactly how many ancient philosophies do you know?"Peter asked.
"Enough to expand your mind, mon cheri."Riley responded proudly and glanced her attention to the passing civilians."Everybody has problems. Everybody has bad times. Do we sacrifice all of the good times because of them? No, we…."
Riley paused from finished her sentence as an utterly stunned look appeared on her face which alarmed Peter.
"Riley. Are you okay?"Peter asked with a hint of concern."What's wrong?"
Riley didn't respond or turn to look at Peter, making her boyfriend follow her gaze and became shocked as well.
There standing and watching the ruins of Shady Acres Care Home were two utterly familiar male figures.
One was a certain member of the Avengers that was famously known to wield a certain hammer to summon lightning and was the crown prince of Asgard.
The second was an infamous being that was the brother or rather the adoptive brother of the first figure that was commonly known to have hold the whole of New York hostage with an alien army and attempted to rule the Earth before the Avengers stopped him.
It was Thor and Loki!
An excited smile appeared on Riley's face.
"Oh my gosh!"Riley gasped."Uncle Thor is back!"
However, Peter was a little more disturbed to see Loki next to Thor.
"But also Loki is back too, Riley and that spells trouble."Peter warned with a frown."This is bad. We should go and tell your dad-"
Riley smirked at Peter.
"How about we just go and say hi to them?"Riley insisted.
Peter stared at Riley as if she was crazy.
"No. We don't need to go and say hi."Peter complemented, making Riley frown at his paranoia."If Loki is back, the Avengers have to know. What if he tries to take over the world again?"
Riley placed her hand on Peter's shoulder.
"Oh, Peter. Stop being so paranoid."Riley retorted as she began to take a step forward."Uncle Thor is with him and will chain him up, if he tries anything."
"But I prefer we should go first and tell your dad-"Peter started.
Riley smirked. "Too late for that."
Peter became nervous as Riley slowly began making her way over to Thor and Loki, who remained watching the clearing up of the ruined building in front of them.
"I swear I left him right here."Loki stated."Right here on the sidewalk or right there where the building is being demolished?"
Thor scoffed. "Great planning."
"How was I supposed to know?"Loki questioned."Can't see into the future. I'm not a witch."
"No?"Thor asked with a small smirk."Then why do you dress like one?"
"Hey."Loki retorted.
"I can't believe you're alive. I saw you die."Thor admitted as he recalled the events that occurred on Svartalfheim."I mourned you. I cried for you."
Loki gave Thor a somewhat odd expression.
"I'm honoured."Loki responded.
Riley then tapped Thor's shoulder, earning his and Loki's attention.
"Hi, Uncle Thor."Riley greeted.
In a few seconds, Thor's frowning expression changed into a bright one upon seeing the Stark heiress.
"Lady Riley!"Thor chuckled, picking up Riley to give her a twirl hug."Long time no see!"
Riley smiled as Thor gave her a big hug while Loki watched the sight with a rather disapproving expression.
"Good to see you too, Uncle Thor."Riley replied as Thor placed her back on the ground and frowned."Why did you stay away for so long? I've missed you."
"I apologise for my long absence, Lady Riley. A lot has happened back in the other realms and I've lost track of time."Thor declared and noticed Riley looked a bit more taller than he last saw her."Though I clearly see you're growing to a fine maiden."
Riley chuckled at Thor's declaration, feeling a bit flattered.
"Yes. A lot of things have changed since you and Uncle Bruce left."Riley remarked and let out a sigh."Though the events that occurred were mainly caused by a piping hot mess."
"You don't say."Thor replied before smiling at Loki."Loki, you remember Lady Riley. Don't you?"
Upon immediately seeing and recognising Iron Man's daughter that had now grown to a teenage girl and last saw as a ten year old girl, Loki gave Riley a glare while the young brunette gave him a smug smirk.
"How can I forget?"Loki asked with a frown."The little troublemaker."
A fake scoff escaped from Riley's mouth, pretending to be offended by Loki's words.
"Oh? I'm the troublemaker, homicidal reindeer?"Riley asked with an amused smile, irritating Loki."The last time I clearly saw you, you were causing havoc in New York due to your daddy issues before you were send back to Asgard in chains. Though I can clearly see your time in jail had not removed your ever-scheming personality. Then again, you are a cold calculating sociopath."
Thor let out a hearty laugh while Loki simply rolled his eyes at Riley before the Stark heiress took out her iPhone.
"By the way, you two wouldn't mind taking a picture with me?"Riley requested."For old times' sake."
Loki attempted to back away, only Thor to put his arm around him and bring him forward for Riley's selfie.
"Gladly, Lady Riley."Thor replied.
Riley giggled in delight as she took a photo of herself with Thor and Loki.
Both Riley and Thor smiled at the camera while Loki rather confused beside annoyed at what they were doing.
CLICK!
Riley grinned as she looked at the selfie photo she did with Thor and Loki.
"If my dad saw this, he'll go bananas."Riley joked.
Then Peter anxiously walked over to his girlfriend and the two Asgardians.
"Ah, Peter Parker."Thor remarked, happy to see another familiar face he knew and gave Peter a pat on the back."You've grown up too."
"Hey again, Thor."Peter answered before pointing at Loki."Why is he here?"
"Yes. My brother is known to be quite a trickster. Apparently, he has faked his own death."Thor exclaimed with a disapproving ton, making Loki smirk a bit."But I'll keep an eye him that he won't cause any trouble."
Riley nodded in approval.
"Sassy queen is scared of a little lightning."Riley sneered.
Loki glared daggers at Riley while Peter gave him a rather nervous grin and a small wave.
"Hey."Peter replied.
"Nauseated to meet you."Loki said simply.
Riley brought her attention back on Thor.
"So Uncle Thor what brings you back on Earth?"Riley asked curiously."Did something happen?"
"Yes. Something did happen, Lady Riley."Thor agreed while giving Loki a small yet angry glare."My father, Odin, had been sent to exile on Earth and brought to live on what you mortals call a care home by my brother here. Apparently, Loki has been ruling Asgard as my father this whole time and didn't discover this until now."
Both Riley and Peter gazed at Loki with equally shocked yet disgusted expressions.
"You sent your own dad to a retirement home?"Peter retorted.
"That's just mean."Riley scolded.
"It's fun mean, mortals."Loki complemented casually and smirked."Though I've been enjoying myself immensely on Asgard's throne before Thor came by and ruined it all."
Thor looked back at Riley and Peter.
"Unfortunately, the care home was this one you see before you and now we lost track of where our father is."Thor responded and then smiled with a hint of hope."But surely the Avengers wouldn't mind helping me out in this situation."
An anxious smile appeared on Riley's face.
"Yes. That would've been possible."Riley agreed before frowning in dismay."If the Avengers didn't split up that is."
Thor became confused while Loki's bored expression melted into one of utter interest.
"What do you mean, Lady Riley?"Thor said in confusion.
"Unfortunately, several months after you and Uncle Bruce left, the Avengers have entered in a squabble over some pain in the butt thing called the Sokovia Accords, Uncle Thor."Riley explained in disappointment."It's a U.N legislation intended to regulate superheroes' activities which is utterly stupid in my point of view. What's worse it ended up causing a civil war between my dad's team who approved of the accords while Uncle Steve's team was against as I was. In the end, it caused the Avengers to go their separate ways. Uncle Steve and Aunt Nat are on the run while training their own Avengers team while my dad, me, Vision and Rhodey are the ones that remain in New York."
"That is unfortunate."Thor complemented, utterly stunned at what occurred during his absence."I am very sorry to hear that."
Riley shook her head.
"It's alright, Uncle Thor. It's not your fault."Riley assured."Like I said, it's all a piping hot mess. Though I utterly blame the Government's lack of common sense and respect on how they see superheroes."
Loki gave Thor an amused smile.
"Ah, I see my time back on Midgard isn't so bad, brother dear."Loki complemented."Perhaps the humans will be most eager now to have me now as their ruler."
This caused Thor, Riley and Peter to glare at Loki.
"Hey, Reindeer Games."Riley spoke up."Don't get any ideas that you can try and enslave the world again as a benevolent dictator just because the Avengers have went their separate ways."
"There are still other superheroes that can stop your schemes."Peter warned.
Loki gave Riley and Peter an unfazed expression.
"And who would they be?"Loki asked.
Before Riley or Peter could say anything, Loki looks down to see that the sidewalk has started to glow gold yellow beneath him.
Around his feet was a circle of ancient symbols.
"What are you doing now?"Thor scoffed.
"This isn't me."Loki informed.
Suddenly, Loki dropped out of sight after vanishing through the circle, surprising Thor, Riley and Peter.
Thor, Riley and Peter sees a card on the sidewalk where Loki was.
Thor poked the business card with his umbrella.
"Loki?"Thor asked in confusion.
"Where the hell did he go?"Peter questioned.
Riley smiled lightly upon realising who took Loki away.
"I may have a clue."Riley murmured.
Thor picked up the card and it read 177A Bleecker Street.
"Bleecker Street?"Thor read.
"That's where the New York Sanctum is. It's situated in Greenwich Village, Uncle Thor."Riley exclaimed."I'll happily take you there."
"Thank you, Lady Riley."Thor thanked.
Riley glanced at Peter.
"Peter, why don't you head back home?"Riley suggested."I'll take it from here."
"But Riley, what about our date?"Peter questioned.
"This will likely take an hour or two. I'll be back before then."Riley assured, giving Peter's hand a comforting squeeze."And if you see my dad before that, tell him I saw Thor and went with him to help him find his dad. Don't mention Loki."
"Are you really sure about this, Riley?"Peter asked."Couldn't we-"
Riley gave Peter a look, making him let out a sigh of defeat.
"Alright, Riley."Peter answered."I promise."
Riley smiled at Peter before the two of them shared a small kiss.
"Merci, my love."Riley remarked."See you later."
Peter nodded and then waved goodbye to Thor and Riley before making his way back to his house.
On their way to Bleecker Street, Riley told Thor that she was now older sister and that Pepper gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Morgan.
"I am thrilled to hear that your father has now another daughter, Lady Riley."Thor stated with a smile."Who does your sister resemble?"
"She looks exactly like me and my dad, Uncle Thor."Riley explained."Though her face resembles Pepper a bit. She is now one years old and is a bit of a chatter box."
"It would be a honour to meet her in person."Thor remarked.
"You'll probably marvel her with your super Asgardian strength."Riley joked.
Thor and Riley soon arrived in front of the door that had the address '177A' on it.
Riley went to the door and knocked on it.
"Hey, Uncle Stephen!"Riley called out, startling Thor a bit."I brought the jackass greasy hair's cool older brother!"
Before Thor could blink, the scenery around himself and Riley changed.
The Thunderer stumbled forward as he glanced anxiously around his new surroundings, realising he and the Stark heiress were now inside Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum.
Riley smiled brightly as she watched Doctor Strange descended down from above.
Thor held his umbrella, ready to fight the wizard.
"Thor Odinson."Doctor Strange said as he landed in front of both Riley and Thor."God of Thunder. You can put down the umbrella."
The moment Thor put his umbrella down, he, Riley and Doctor Strange were all transported into another room within the sanctum.
Riley found herself sitting down next to Thor and across from Stephen.
Thor had a bewildered look on his face while Riley gazed at her surroundings in silent excitement.
"So…uh…Earth has wizards now."Thor commented.
"I know, right?"Riley chuckled lightly."It's so exciting."
"My name is Doctor Stephen Strange and I have some questions for you."Doctor Strange declared."Tea?"
Thor noticed he had a cup of tea in his hand.
"I don't drink tea."Thor stated.
"He drinks beer, Uncle Stephen."Riley admitted."But I drink tea."
Thor now had a stein of beer in his hand to drink while Riley enjoyed the cup of oolong tea that she was given.
"So I keep a watch list of individuals and beings from other realms that may be a threat to this world."Doctor Strange declared, looking at Thor."Your adopted brother Loki is one of these beings."
"He's a worthy inclusion."Thor responded.
"Then why bring him here?"Doctor Strange questioned.
"We're looking for my father."Thor admitted.
"So if I were to tell you where Odin was, all parties concerned would promptly return to Asgard?"Doctor Strange asked.
"Promptly."Thor replied.
Stephen looked at Riley questioningly.
"Loki may be the Prince of Lies, but Uncle Thor can be trusted."Riley exclaimed."And he was one of the first six Avengers that saved New York."
"Great."Doctor Strange remarked with a smile."Then I'll help you."
"If you knew where he was, why didn't you call me?"Thor asked.
"I have to tell you, he was adamant that he not be disturbed. Your father said he had chosen to remain in exile."Doctor Strange stated."And you don't have a phone."
"No, I don't have a phone, but you could have sent an electronic letter."Thor retorted."It's called an email."
"Yeah, do you have a computer?"Doctor Strange questioned.
"No."Thor responded."What for?"
Riley muted her chuckle as she drank her cup of tea.
"Anyway, my father is no longer in exile."Thor complemented."So if you could tell me where he is, I can take him home."
"Gladly."Doctor Strange answered."He's in Norway."
Doctor Strange stood up from his seat.
In a blink of an eye, Thor and Riley saw they were now standing by a book case.
Doctor Strange took down an ancient book to flip through it's pages.
"Whatcha reading, Uncle Stephen?"Riley asked curiously.
"I'm just seeing whether this incantation requires any Asgardian modifications."Doctor Strange said as Riley glanced at the books."And don't touch any of the books."
Riley frowned as Thor reached out to the bookcase to steady himself.
"Nope."Doctor Strange stated.
Suddenly they are both across the room at Strange's work station.
Because Thor was touching the bookcase, he has magically brought it across the room as well.
"Oh, we don't need that."Doctor Strange informed.
Suddenly, Riley became awestruck when she saw that she and Thor were brought in the library within the sanctum.
Books fall off the shelf as Thor frowned as he ended up spilling some of his beer from Doctor Strange's teleporting.
"Will you stop doing that?"Thor complained.
"I need just one strand of your hair."Doctor Strange declared.
"Let me explain something, my hair is not to be meddled wi-"Thor argued.
Doctor Strange suddenly appeared behind Thor and plucked a strand of his hair, making the Thunderer groan in pain.
The wizard extended the hair, infused it with magic and does a few gestures that created a bright light as the Stark heiress watched in amazement.
"Say Riley, don't you have somewhere to be?"Doctor Strange asked.
"I actually have a date with my boyfriend later this evening."Riley admitted."But I actually couldn't resist the urge to help Uncle Thor find his father."
"Does your father know you're doing this?"Doctor Strange questioned.
Riley gave Doctor Strange a casual smile.
"I think so?"Riley suggested.
Riley blinked and Doctor Strange suddenly transported them back to the foyer of the sanctum while Thor was rolling down the stairs.
A magic portal leading into a peaceful meadow had opened beside Doctor Strange and Riley.
"We could have just walked."Thor muttered.
Thor went back on his feet as Doctor Strange gestured towards the portal.
"He's waiting for you."Doctor Strange informed.
"Alright."Thor said.
"Don't forget your umbrella."Doctor Strange reminded.
"Yes."Thor chuckled.
Thor extended his arm and holds out his hand to summon Mjølnir.
Suddenly, lots of crashing noises were heard in the background causing Doctor Strange and Riley to share a glance with each other.
Thor smiled. "Sorry."
Finally, the umbrella flew into Thor's hand.
"I suppose I'll need my brother back."Thor requested.
"Yeah, right."Doctor Strange answered.
Doctor Strange then conjured another portal above his, Thor and Riley's heads.
Then a screaming yet familiar male figure dressed in a fitted black suit came out of the portal and fell face first on to the foyer's floor.
Loki angrily rolled his head back to show his furious face.
"I have been falling for thirty minutes!"Loki snapped.
Riley smirked as she went over to Loki.
"To think the so-called great Trickster was caught off by a wizard from Earth."Riley sneered.
Loki glared at Riley.
"If you'd like to keep your tongue, I suggest you stop moving it now, girl."Loki snarled.
Riley rolled her eyes, unfazed by the threat she was receiving from Loki.
"Whatever, Professor Snape."Riley replied sarcastically.
Doctor Strange glanced at Thor.
"You can handle him from here."Doctor Strange stated.
"Yeah, of course."Thor agreed and shook hands with Doctor Strange."Thank you very much for your help."
"Good luck."Doctor Strange declared.
Loki finally got up from the floor after shoving Riley's offered hand away.
"Handle me?"Loki asked with an irritated smile before glancing at Professor Strange."Who are you?"
Loki pulled out two daggers from seemingly nowhere, startling Riley a bit.
Thor frowned. "Loki."
"You think you're some kind of sorcerer?"Loki asked, ready to attack Doctor Strange."Don't think for one minute, you second-rate..."
"Bye-bye."Doctor Strange stated.
Doctor Strange waved his hand and the portal went flying in Thor, Riley and Loki's direction.
It happened so quickly that Loki fell face first yet again while Riley looked in bewilderment at her surroundings.
"My gosh."Riley murmured in awe."I am in Norway."
Riley took out her iPhone to take a photo of her surroundings.
The area that the Stark heiress and the two Asgardians were in had green grass, ongoing mountains, a cliff and a sea view horizon.
However, the smile on the Stark heiress vanished when she and her companions saw a lone old man standing at the other side of the meadow at the cliff's edge while the waves crashing below was heard in the background.
Riley knew who the old man was.
Odin Borson.
The All-Father.
The King of Asgard.
Protector of the Nine Realms.
Riley looked at Thor and Loki.
"I'll give you guys some privacy with your dad."Riley requested.
Thor only nodded at Riley before walking the short distance over to his father while Loki followed him.
Riley stood in place and quietly watched them.
Thor walked towards him with long strides, quickly reaching him.
He cautiously stood beside him, watching as King Odin continued to stare out into the abyss as seagulls called overhead.
"Father?"Thor asked.
"Look at this place."King Odin remarked."It's beautiful."
"Father, it's us."Thor declared.
Loki joined on the other side of King Odin.
"My sons."King Odin spoke up."I've been waiting for you."
"I know."Thor replied with a smile."We've come to take you home."
"Home, yes."King Odin agreed."Your mother, she calls me. Do you hear it?"
Thor and Loki turned their heads, trying to listen for something above the crashing waves against the rocks or the birds shrieking in the sky.
But, they couldn't.
Thor glanced at Loki, who only shook his head helplessly in silence.
"Loki, lift your magic."Thor demanded.
King Odin chuckled, glancing down at the grass before up at his raven haired son.
"Took me quite a while to break from your spell."King Odin admitted."Frigga would've been proud. Come sit with me. I don't have much time. You can join us, Lady Stark."
Riley became utterly surprised that the King of Asgard knew who she was and realised that Thor must've told his father about her and the Avengers.
The young brunette slowly made her way to the Asgardians before slowly bowing her head to King Odin out of respect.
King Odin, Thor, Loki and Riley moved to sit on a nearby boulder, shifting around until they were all somewhat comfortable.
"I know we've failed you, but we can make this right."Thor vowed.
"I failed you."King Odin corrected."Tis upon us. Ragnarök."
"No, I've stopped Ragnarök."Thor assured."I've put an end to Surtur."
"No. It's already begun. She's coming."King Odin explained."My life has always held her back, but my time has come. I cannot keep her away any longer."
"Father, who are you talking about?"Thor asked, regarding the upcoming enemy.
"The Goddess of Death. Her name is Hela."King Odin declared."Your cousin."
Thor and Loki shared an uneasy look with Riley, who seemed absolutely baffled at the revelation.
King Odin tipped back his head, looking up into the cloudy sky.
"Her violent appetite grew beyond my control."King Odin exclaimed."My father, King Bor Burison couldn't stop her, so he prisoned her. Locked her away. She draws her power from Asgard. Once she gets there, her powers will be limitless."
Riley looked down in worry while Loki spared a worried glance with Thor.
"Whatever she is, we can stop her."Thor remarked, trying to come up with another solution."We can face her. Together."
"No, we won't. I'm on a different path now."King Odin stated with a soft smile."You must face this alone. But you have what you need to save our home. I love you, my sons."
Suddenly, King Odin's entire body was then illuminated in a cloud of gold and drifted away with the wind.
Loki, Thor and Riley all stood up, taking a few steps forward as they watched the sight in front of them.
Thor's breathing became uneven as Riley suddenly felt butterflies in her stomach.
The skies grew dark as thunder rumbled lowly.
Loki peered over at Thor, who had a deadly glare on his face.
"Brother."Loki said.
Thor clenched his fist in anger as lightning began sparking from the tips of his fingers.
"This was your doing."Thor scowled.
Riley stood between Thor and Loki, stretching her hands at her sides, knowing that they were about to fight with each other.
"Okay."Riley spoke up, trying to hide her growing fear and look calm."I think we should focus on your cousin than arguing right now."
Loki opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by a black cloud forming in front of them in the distance.
Riley, Thor and Loki looked at each other before approaching it.
Thor raised his umbrella in the air, pounding it to the ground to allow a thick bolt of lightning strike him.
When the steak of flash disappeared, Thor was changed into his armour while Loki got dressed in his Asgardian armour using his magic.
Riley pressed the X mark on her bracelet to change into her X-Men Uniform.
Then a black cloud grew and from it sparked a sickly green that protruded outwards.
A lean figure slowly walked out of the cloud.
The figure was a pale skinned with woman that had raven black hair and menacing green eyes. She wore a second-skin black and iridescent green-detailed bodysuit.
She was beautiful.
But by just looking at her eyes, Riley could tell she was anything but friendly.
"So he's gone."Hela assumed with a unfazed look."Shame. I would've liked to have seen that."
"You must be Hela."Thor stated."I'm Thor. Son of Odin."
"Really?"Hela questioned."You don't look like him."
"Perhaps we can come to an arrangement."Loki suggested.
Hela shook a finger at Loki in thought.
"Now you sound like him."Hela remarked and smirked at the trio."Kneel."
"I beg your pardon?"Loki questioned.
Hela glanced down at her hand as she summoned a sword from it.
"Kneel before your Queen."Hela demanded.
Riley nervously looked at Thor and Loki.
"I think we should do what she says."Riley murmured.
"A wise respond, mortal."Hela praised before looking at Thor and Loki."You should follow her advice."
"I don't think so."Thor replied.
Thor stepped forward, suddenly hurling his hammer at her.
To the surprise of the trio, Hela caught Mjølnir with her black magic.
Riley and Loki became utterly shocked at what they were seeing while Hela looked at the trio with a smirk.
Thor, with his arm still outstretched, stared in shock at what he was seeing as well.
"It's not possible."Thor retorted.
"Darling, you have no idea of what's possible."Hela sneered.
Hela then snapped her fingers using her free hand and Mjølnir disappeared from the trio's sight in a blackish green spark.
The Queen of Hel then roamed her hands over her head and down her shoulders, revealing a headpiece with a few sets of antlers.
She wielded two swords from her arms and slowly started to approach the trio.
Loki threw his head towards the sky.
"Bring us back!"Loki shouted.
Riley became stunned while Thor looked at Loki in horror.
"What?!"Riley gasped.
"NO!"Thor yelled out.
Riley's warm brown eyes widen as a brilliant beam of rainbow light shun down on her, Loki and Thor before engulfing them off the ground they stood.
Loki, Riley and Thor then sped up the portal as it pulled them upwards.
The Thunderer looked down towards his brother.
"Loki!"Thor shouted.
Loki saw Hela chase after them and aimed his dagger at her.
Hela swiftly caught it, throwing it back at him.
Catching him off-guard, Loki was struck by the knife before being body checked by Hela, hurling him out of the portal.
Riley screamed as Hela kicked her out of the portal as well.
Hela then lifted towards Thor, proceeding to battle him in hand-to-hand combat.
The Queen of Hel grabbed Thor by his throat and pushed him against the portal wall.
With her free hand, she wielded another sword and lifted it into the air.
Thor kicked Hela in the stomach, throwing himself from the portal as well.